Peter Maude Fine Wines
2020, Château L’If, SAINT-ÉMILION, Grand Cru
$420
Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
Austere on the opening beats, then a ton of enjoyable berry fruits. As it settles in, it delivers fine tannins with intense and sappy hawthorn, crushed stone and tobacco leaf character backing them up. Great balance, some austerity, and a tiptoeing through the palate that speaks of its clay-limestone soils. Fiona and Jacques Thienpont are the owners here, with winemaking from their nephew Cyrille Thienpont. 50% new oak. A yield of 34hl/ha. 92 Jane Anson, Decanter.
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042